Read More

But not everyone agrees with his concerns, with Councillor Anthony Chadley, West Berkshire’s executive member for finance, calling the the changes "positive" and saying people in work would be "better off".

The roll out in the boroughs of Reading and West Berkshire began on Wednesday, December 6.

In his speech in Westminster, Mr Rodda said: "We have 10,000 people facing the possibility of a Dickensian Christmas in a relatively wealthy town in one of the most prosperous regions of the country in 21st century Britain.

"The delays in the roll-out - it could be several weeks - mean it is unlikely many of those 10,000 people will be able to enjoy the benefits in time for Christmas.

"Indeed, many will only be paid Universal Credit in January 2018."

"Combining these six benefits into one Universal Credit payment ensures people are better off in work"

West Berkshire Council currently deals with more than 7,000 housing benefit claims a year, and will be working alongside the Department for Work and Pensions to help people with the transition.

Councillor Anthony Chadley, West Berkshire’s executive member for finance said: "We’re gearing up to offer support to all of our claimants, and welcome the positive changes the Government has made.

"Combining these six benefits into one Universal Credit payment ensures people are better off in work by gradually reducing the benefit payments as earnings increase, unlike the old system where benefits would stop all at once."

Claimants will be paid a two-week transition payment, worth around £233 per person.

From January, claimants will be offered an advance payment of up to 100 per cent, which means claimants starting in December can claim 50 per cent of their overall entitlement, with the possibility of another 50 per cent advance payment in January.